CANYON, Texas – The Lady Buffs of West Texas A&M battled all afternoon before falling to the defending National Champion and top-ranked Grand Valley State Lakers, 73-59 during the D2CCA Tipoff Classic at Civic Arena in St. Joseph, Missouri.
 
WT began the first quarter with determination, as Kyla Kane's free throws narrowed Grand Valley's early 5-0 lead. Karley Motschenbacher contributed a layup, assisted by Claire Graham, to keep the score close at 7-6. Despite efforts, including a 3-pointer from Kane, the Lady Buffs faced a resilient opponent.
 
GVSU capitalized on offensive rebounds and perimeter shooting, extending their lead with a series of successful shots. The Lady Buffs managed to respond with another 3-pointer from Kane, closing the gap late in the quarter. However, Grand Valley St. finished strong with a 3-pointer from Avery Zeinstra, concluding the quarter ahead 22-14.
 
WT opened the second quarter with a strong push, highlighted by Claire Graham's two 3-pointers, narrowing the gap to 29-23. Despite several turnovers, Kane also contributed from beyond the arc, keeping the team within striking distance.
 
As the quarter progressed, Grand Valley St. managed to extend their lead with consistent scoring. Henley West's offensive rebound and subsequent tip-in were pivotal in maintaining momentum for the visiting team, but defensive stops were crucial to stay competitive. The quarter concluded with the Lady Buffs trailing 43-31, heading into the next phase of the game.
 
The Lady Buffs began the third quarter with a focused effort, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Kane at 8:08, assisted by Randi Harding, reducing the deficit to eight points. Following a defensive rebound by Taylor Haggan, the Lady Buffs managed to chip away at Grand Valley St.'s lead with a jumper from Haggan and successful free throws from Taytum Bell, bringing the score to 44-48. Despite these efforts, the Lakers responded with a fast-break layup from Mackenzie Bisballe, pushing their lead to nine.
 
As the quarter progressed, the Lady Buffs continued to find scoring opportunities, including a fast-break layup by Kane at 1:06. However, Grand Valley St. maintained their lead by converting free throws. Bell's late layup narrowed the gap slightly, but the quarter ended with Grand Valley St. ahead 59-50.
 
In the fourth quarter, the Lady Buffs aimed to close the gap after trailing, sparked by a layup from Haggan, assisted by Motschenbacher, reducing the deficit early on. Kane contributed with a crucial 3-pointer, bringing the score to 55-59, but Grand Valley St. responded with consistent scoring, maintaining their lead. Despite the Lady Buffs' defensive efforts, including steals by Motschenbacher and Bell, Grand Valley St. extended their advantage.
 
Kane led the scoring effort with 19 points, including five 3-pointers. Harding contributed with nine points and a team-high five assists, showcasing her playmaking abilities. Bell was effective defensively, recording three steals while adding eight points. Motschenbacher supported the team with six points, four rebounds, and two assists.
 
The Lady Buffs close out the opening weekend of the 2025-26 campaign on Sunday afternoon as they take on the Bearcats of Northwest Missouri State to conclude the D2CCA Tipoff Classic with tipoff set for 12:00 p.m.